A Casino is a place where people can gamble. It can also be a social gathering place for people to play games, drink and dine together. It may be big or small, and it can have a theme to attract people to come to it. Regardless of what it is, a Casino always has a lot of money to make.
While gambling probably predates recorded history, the modern Casino is based on a craze that began in the 16th century in Italy. At that time, wealthy Italian aristocrats held parties at places called ridotti in which they could find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof.
Today’s casinos are often built like indoor amusement parks with food courts, theaters, lighted fountains and other attractions. However, the billions in profits they rake in each year comes primarily from gambling: slot machines, poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat are among the most popular games.
People who play frequently at a particular Casino are referred to as “good players” and are rewarded with comps, or free goods and services, such as meals, hotel rooms, tickets to shows and even limo service and airline tickets. These incentives encourage people to return to the Casino and are a key component of its marketing strategy.
The typical casino patron is a forty-six-year-old woman from a household with above-average income who has some vacation time and spends it at the casino. In 2005, according to Harrah’s Entertainment, 23% of casino gamblers fit this profile. Casino owners are eager to court them as they seek funds for expansion and renovation.